Mechanisms underlying caloric restriction and lifespan regulation: implications for vascular aging

Circ Res. 2008 Mar 14;102(5):519-28. doi: 10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.107.168369.

Abstract

This review focuses on the emerging evidence that attenuation of the production of reactive oxygen species and inhibition of inflammatory pathways play a central role in the antiaging cardiovascular effects of caloric restriction. Particular emphasis is placed on the potential role of the plasma membrane redox system in caloric restriction-induced pathways responsible for sensing oxidative stress and increasing cellular oxidative stress resistance. We propose that caloric restriction increases bioavailability of NO, decreases vascular reactive oxygen species generation, activates the Nrf2/antioxidant response element pathway, inducing reactive oxygen species detoxification systems, exerts antiinflammatory effects, and, thereby, suppresses initiation/progression of vascular disease that accompany aging.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aging / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Caloric Restriction*
  • Cardiovascular System / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Life Expectancy*
  • Oxidative Stress / physiology
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction / physiology

Substances

  • Reactive Oxygen Species